Lisa's Story

Turning 40, feeling unfit and overweight, Lisa decided it was time to do something for herself.

“Finding the time to commit to exercise has always been a problem. I’m a busy full time mum, work part time as a Nurse and my husband works away so sorting out child care can be a problem. When I saw the couch to 5k programme ran on Wednesday mornings, on my day off, I had no excuse – it was perfect for me” Lisa explains. “Initially I was nervous about going, so I convinced a couple of friends to join up too. I needn’t have worried though, Jonas, Clive and Linda were so welcoming and really encouraging.”

Through attending sessions every week and taking on board the advice, guidance and motivation of the Y:Women Can team, Lisa soon found her fitness levels improving and she was able to run for longer periods.

“I have never run before and the first time I ran 5k without stopping was amazing. I felt so proud of myself. It’s given me a great confidence boost and I’m on track with my weight loss. I’ve lost 18lbs so far since Christmas and I’m aiming for more”.

Lisa has not only lost weight and achieved an amazing goal, through the YMCA she has also discovered a whole running community that she didn’t know existed.

“I’ve met a fantastic group of people. We all support each other every week and cheer each other on. I now know that I can attend a park run almost anywhere in the country and be welcomed and cheered on by complete strangers”

Attending sessions at the YMCA has given Lisa the determination to keep losing weight, improve her stamina and to set her sights on achieving 10K, something she now feels is possible. She’s also signed up for Cancer Research’s Pretty Muddy later in the year and is hoping to raise lots of money for the charity.

About Us

The YMCA on the Fylde Coast is very unique. As well as having our own health and fitness centres, we work in partnership with Wyre and Fylde Borough Councils and the local NHS, to ensure all members of our community have access to superb facilities and programmes, so we can all enjoy and benefit from an active lifestyle.